Question

In XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆ the number of lone pairs on Xe are respectively ______.

Options

• 2, 3, 1

• 1, 2, 3

• 4, 1, 2

• 3, 2, 1

Answer 1

In XeF₂, XeF₄, XeF₆ the number of lone pairs on Xe are respectively 3, 2, 1.

Explanation:

Xenon has 8 valence electrons. The number of lone pairs on Xe = (valence electrons of Xe − number of Xe–F bonds)/2.

XeF₂: `(8 − 2)/2` = 3 lone pairs → electron-domain count 5 (AX₂E₃) → linear molecule (lone pairs equatorial).

XeF₄: `(8 − 4)/2` = 2 lone pairs → electron-domain count 6 (AX₄E₂) → square‑planar molecule (lone pairs opposite each other).

XeF₆: `(8 − 6)/2` = 1 lone pair → electron‑domain count 7 (AX6E1) → gives a distorted octahedral geometry in the real molecule.